Digital Commons Network^™

How Political Parties Can Appeal To Voters, Brenden David Jacoby

Communication Studies

Young voters are not voting. According to the United States Census Bureau, young voters, aged 18-29, have not turned out to vote in Presidential Elections at a rate higher than 50% since 1968. Millions of ballots – with the potential to swing elections, policies, and political momentum – are left blank. It is in the interest of both parties to identify why young voters are not going to the polls. In order to understand what makes political messaging persuasive to younger voters, this study presented participants with actual campaign speeches made by Democrats and Republican candidates for office. The author …

Analog Speech Recognition Circuit, Celeste Correa, Alyssa Lam, Grace Paladichuk

Electrical Engineering

This project performs speech recognition using analog circuits to compute the Fourier transform of a voice signal. There is a digital portion of the design to perform a comparison between the desired Fourier transforms and the voice signal’s Fourier transform. Due to time limitations, the project is limited to a set command that the circuit can execute. The design is also focused on the vocal frequencies of women due to the stark difference between men and women’s voices. Analog circuits are not being used commercially for speech recognition at this time, but there is research being done on methods to …

A 4-Switch Buck-Boost Dc/Dc Converter For Electric Vehicle Applications, Andrew Hudak, Ashley Schiller

Electrical Engineering

In this project, we develop a four switch buck-boost DC/DC converter that is to be integrated into a microgrid-inspired power distribution architecture for electric vehicles. The overall architecture includes DC/DC and DC/AC converters for bi-directional energy transfer between the DC and AC ports along with a communications port to control each energy interface. There is also the onboard battery and the internal combustion engine power exchange being done with DC/DC converters and AC/DC inverters to connect to the centralized DC bus. Hardware prototypes using an Arduino and Raspberry Pi for the 500 W DC/DC and DC/AC converters have been previously …

The Challenges Of Building A Mass Timber Single-Family Home: A Case Study, Avery Emma Onan

Construction Management

This case study explores the various challenges faced by those involved in the pre-construction and construction of a mass timber, single-family home in Central Texas. Using semi-structured interviews, a subcontractor, an owner, a manufacturer, and two construction managers were questioned about their specific challenges with the build. These challenges were solely related to the use of mass timber on the project. In recent years in the United States, mass timber has become an increasingly desired building material to use in a commercial and multi-family residential context. Due to limited information and builder inexperience using mass timber in a single-family homebuilding …

Iron Filings Impact On The Compressive Strength Of Concrete, Dominic Daniel Aceves

Construction Management

In this study, compression tests were performed on three different mix designs of concrete to evaluate the effects of iron filings as an admixture to concrete. The first mix design served as the control mix, being the variable that the other two mixes will be based off. The second mix design was the same as the first mix design, but with an added 12 ounces of iron filings. The third mix design was, again, the same as the first mix design, but with an added 24 ounces of iron filings doubling that of the second mix design. The objective of …

Construction Wellness: Analyzing Mental Health Issues And Solutions For Construction Workers, Joshua Franks

Construction Management

The construction industry is known for its demanding nature, often leading to significant mental health challenges among its workforces. This study investigates mental health issues prevalent in construction, focusing on identifying key stressors and potential protective factors. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining a systematic literature review with a survey distributed to construction professionals. The survey gathered data on job satisfaction, stress, coping mechanisms, and the availability and utilization of mental health resources. Results indicated high levels of job dissatisfaction and stress, with respondents citing poor communication, excessive work hours, and lack of control over their roles as primary stressors. …

Exploring California Residents’ Perspectives On Solar Panel Viability For Residential Properties, Alecsander Gregg

Construction Management

The qualitative research conducted in this study aims to analyze the overall consensus of feelings and attitudes from California residents towards photovoltaic systems being installed on to their properties. The intended audience for this study are for stakeholders in the renewable energy markets, and more specifically in California’s solar panel market. Additional audiences for this study may be for additional or other research regarding solar panel or photovoltaic technology specifically within the state of California. Through a Google Forms questionnaire distributed via email, participants provide insight on their thoughts and feelings regarding certain aspects of solar panels on properties that …

Effect Of Pismo Clams As Partial Fine And Coarse Aggregate Replacement On Workability And Compressive Strength Of Concrete, Alan Munoz Pille

Construction Management

Concrete has been utilized for ages. Unfortunately, over the hundreds of years there has been little development in the applications of new aggregate materials. The world is moving towards a sustainable way of living and as a result seashells have come into the mix. Pismo Clams are a native species to San Luis Obispo County. This marine species has the possibility of becoming a partial aggregate replacement for fine and coarse aggregates in concrete. The results of prior studies indicate a possible application of seashell use in concrete. This paper evaluates the workability and compressive strength of concrete containing fine …

Thinking Styles In The Built Environment, Jaden A. Green

Construction Management

Effective communication in the built environment is crucial for project success, information relay, goal alignment, error prevention, and safety. Diverse parties, including general contractors, architects, engineers, and subcontractors, bring varying Thinking Styles to the table, as defined by Harrison and Bramson. These styles—Synthesist, Idealist, Pragmatist, Analyst, and Realist—impact collaboration and conflict within projects. This study aims to explore where thinking differs among these parties and the congruity of Thinking Styles within each group. Results of this study indicate a predominant Realist Thinking Style among general contractors and subcontractors with subcontractors equally leaning towards Analyst. Engineers, although expected to be Analysts, …

Construction Wellness: Analyzing Mental Health Issues And Solutions For Construction Workers, Joshua Franks

Construction Management

The construction industry is known for its demanding nature, often leading to significant mental health challenges among its workforces. This study investigates mental health issues prevalent in construction, focusing on identifying key stressors and potential protective factors. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining a systematic literature review with a survey distributed to construction professionals. The survey gathered data on job satisfaction, stress, coping mechanisms, and the availability and utilization of mental health resources. Results indicated high levels of job dissatisfaction and stress, with respondents citing poor communication, excessive work hours, and lack of control over their roles as primary stressors. …

Sports Broadcasting In 2024: Analyzing The Transition From Linear To Connected Tv With An Emphasis On Sports Streaming, Noah Benjamin Holiber

Journalism

The ongoing movement away from linear television (broadcast and cable) towards connected TV (streaming services) has boosted popularity amongst streaming services greatly. Since the inception of the streaming services, sports have remained a linear TV attraction. However, the continued evolution of this transition has reached a tipping point characterized by rapidly intensifying competition between streaming platforms for sports programming. The “streaming wars'' will drive an increase in the overall value of sports media rights and fundamentally alter sports programming consumption behavior. Popular streaming services continue to bid for the rights to broadcast sports games. This paper will examine trends in …

Kcpr’S 2024 Audience Survey – Findings, Analysis, & Recommendations, Cayley A. O'Brien, Emily S. Tobiason

Journalism

This senior project explores the audience engagement strategies of KCPR 91.3 FM, the student run radio station at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and lays the groundwork for future leadership to optimize the station’s platform. The project consists of 10 weeks of audience research, conducted through a survey distributed through social media, on KCPR’s website and at a variety of events. Through a structured methodology using surveys and targeted promotions, we collected data from 83 total respondents, revealing insights into key audience demographics, preferences, and interaction patterns of both content on KCPR.org, and on-air presence both digitally and …

Examining The Impact Of Journalism On The Comprehensibility And Accessibility Of Scientific Literature, Izabella L. Slosberg

Journalism

This study investigates the comprehensibility and accessibility of scientific papers compared to scientific journalism articles. Fifty articles were tested in pairs of two (one scientific journal article and one corresponding scientific journalism article), and ChatGPT 4.0 was used to create a comprehensibility scale ranging from 0-100%, designed to assess the percentage of people in California over the age of 18 who could understand each article. Each article was evaluated three times using the curated scale, and the results were thoroughly evaluated. The differences in comprehensibility between scientific journalism articles and scientific journalism articles along with the impact of the scientific …

Coolsplint: Inflammation Reduction Accessory, Laura C. Denney, Winston H. Giang, Aanchal Singh

Biomedical Engineering

This document outlines a project sponsored by Elizabeth Mentel and Michael Clausson that addresses the shortcomings in current splinting options, particularly for wrist fractures in elderly patients. Stakeholders include clinicians, patients, and emergency medical technicians. Multiple improvements can be made to current splinting options to help alleviate inflammation along with splint versatility, affordability, accessibility, and ease of use. After determining the critical customer requirements, the primary objective of this project was to find a way to manage inflammation. The project explores existing splinting solutions and proposes a new design that utilizes cooling rods to reduce inflammation. The document reviews various …

Powder Removal System For Additive Manufacturing, Kellan Spellman, Johan Barstad, Mari Natsuhara, David Smoots

Mechanical Engineering

Metal additive manufacturing, utilized by Parker Aerospace’s Exotic Metals Forming Division, enables the fabrication of intricately designed metal parts that pose significant machining challenges. This technology uses metal powder melted by a laser or electron beam to produce parts, but excess powder often becomes trapped within internal passageways due to complex geometries. Traditional methods like compressed air, vacuum processes, and manual banging are inadequate for effective powder removal. Consequently, an innovative solution is necessary. The designed solution utilizes a pneumatic motor to vibrate the printed part to break up or remove excess powder and was tested both quantitatively and qualitatively, …

Solar Farm, Parker Folsom, Jon Copeland, Julia Fay, Aiden Taylor

Mechanical Engineering

This senior project focused on creating a portable single-axis solar follower. The purpose of this solar follower is to allow for single-axis tracking of the sun at various points on our sponsor's property to gather information on solar power production. This data will be utilized to locate future sites for a utility-scale solar farm.

The final design of the solar follower comprises four subsystems: two legs, the frame, and the panel assembly. This modular design allows for portability and adjustability on challenging terrain. Following the design stage, our team purchased and manufactured all of the necessary components. All manufacturing work …

Scitechatorium Exhibit, Adam Khan, Cole Busch, Logan Femling, Alan Onuma

Mechanical Engineering

This document outlines the final stages of development and analysis of our interactive children’s exhibit for the Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School’s SciTechatorium. We will showcase the final form of our ball and track display, giving a detailed look at each component and subsystem.

To describe how our final prototype will be built we have included a detailed manufacturing summary for our design. Our models have been designed with manufacturability in mind, and we have outlined which processes were used to produce all our parts.

There are also detailed descriptions of testing that were conducted to verify the performance of the …

Can Leadership Classes Help Women In Construction Embrace Vulnerability Early In Their Careers?, Crystal Giselle Martinez

Construction Management

This study investigates how a vulnerability lesson, integrated into a construction management university course, impacts women’s comfort levels in showing vulnerability in their early careers. It also examines the perceptions of individuals on the subject of vulnerability prior to taking the class expressing societal norms in relation to vulnerability and leadership in relation to vulnerability. Pre- and post-surveys, utilizing the Likert scale and free responses, were used to gather data from students enrolled in a leadership-focused class at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Findings reveal that while vulnerability is seen as vital for leadership, gender challenges persist, shaped …

Exploring The Impact Of Personal Protective Equipment (Ppe) Quality On Construction Individuals, Daniel Seo

Construction Management

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential in protecting workers on construction sites. Construction sites are known to have various hazards that can lead to death or injury. While PPEs are designed to protect workers from these injuries, its usage and quality affects its capability. As PPE is distributed by construction companies, it is imperative to identify the determinants of quality PPE. These factors include psychological factors like perceived risk, comfort, and safety attitudes. Two surveys were conducted on seventeen (17) construction management industry individuals and twenty-one (21) construction management students to determine the preferences of PPE and their views regarding …

Academic Senate - Agenda, 5/21/2024, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Agendas

No abstract provided.

Aged 539 Graduate Internship Report - Clovis East High School, Kaylee C. Santos

Agricultural Education: Graduate Internship Reports

This internship/project report includes documentation required in meeting the quality criteria for secondary-level programs of instruction in agriculture. The documents are concurrently used for the Agriculture Incentive Grant review process at Clovis East High School conducted by representatives of the California Department of Education. The supporting material includes information to receive state and local funding, outline the goals and objectives of the program, along with an overview of Clovis East High School, the agriculture program and the community. The project includes the revision of the Agrisciene Pathway Capstone Course Curriculum and Pacing Guide. This pacing guide will allow educators to …

Political Orientation And Its Effect On Engagement And Perception Of The Arts, Parker Robert Mckenzie

Communication Studies

Utilizing the Symbolic Interactionism Theory (Gusfield, 2011), this study explored the relationship between political orientation and one’s engagement with and perception of art forms. The study utilized qualitative methods analysis to analyze similarities between participant responses. Findings from participants revealed the following themes: engagement with history leading to a more profound understanding of art, art causing real-life inspiration, and engagement with art leads to the formation of sub-cultures. Additionally, interviews revealed that people choose not to engage with certain art based on political orientation, people who consider themselves to be “spiritual” engaged with art differently, and many people’s perception of …

Exploring Podcasting As A Medium For Sharing Modern Issues With College-Age Demographics, Arabel Grey Meyer

Journalism

This paper examines the medium of podcasting and creating a personal brand through this medium. While analog forms of broadcast media such as television and radio were some of the most common sources of the public’s information until around the 1960s, technological advances and the creation of the internet drastically changed the way that the public absorbs and accesses its information. Media serves to provide several key roles in our society: entertainment, education, providing a platform to discuss issues, and serving the role of a watchdog for institutions and governments (2016). Podcasting, as a modern media form that has become …

The Mathematics Of Financial Portfolio Optimization Incorporating Environmental, Social, And Governance Score Information, Ian Driskill

Master's Theses

We numerically investigate the effects that Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores have on portfolio optimization with Modern Portfolio Theory assumptions and how ESG scores correlate with the market returns of a rated company's stock. Additionally, we review and analyze a research paper published in the Journal of Financial Economics regarding ESG investing titled “Responsible investing: The ESG-efficient frontier” by Pedersen, Fitzgibbons, and Lukasz. Our overall goal is provide insight for socially responsible inclined investors, to help them understand what ESG scores tell us and how those scores may effect their overall investment returns."

Empirical Models Of The Hβ Broad Emission Line Gas Density Field, Lizvette Villafaña, Tommaso Treu, Lourenzo Colleyn, Brendon J. Brewer, Aaron J. Barth, Matthew A. Malkan, Vivian U, Vardha N. Bennert

Physics

We present the second iteration of the caramel-gas code, an empirical model of the broad-line region (BLR) gas density field. Building on the initial development and testing of caramel-gas, we expand the meaning of the model parameter α, which initially represented only the power-law index of the dependency of emissivity on radial distance. In this work, we test a more generalized radial power-law index, α, that also includes a description of the effective emitting size(s) of the BLR structure as a function of radial distance. We select a sample of 10 active galactic nuclei (AGN) from three different …

Contributors, Miranda Kowalski

.RAW Journal of Art and Design

No abstract provided.

'Dreamscape_01' & 'Across The Universe A.I. Version', Ryden Secor, Sarai Devi Dasi

.RAW Journal of Art and Design

No abstract provided.

'Untitled - De Young Museum', Zach Kanter

.RAW Journal of Art and Design

No abstract provided.

'General Electric' & 'A Walk Around Pierce Point', Zevin Delaski, Taz Fruhauf

.RAW Journal of Art and Design

No abstract provided.

'Mosaic' & 'Into The Looking Glass', Hannah Drechsel, Izze Gunn

.RAW Journal of Art and Design

No abstract provided.